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select one teacher that will spend a year off from teaching to travel the state and speak on education.

Toombs Central Elementary School Teacher of the Year Donna Corbitt was named this year’s District Teacher of the Year. Corbitt has been leading classrooms for 23 years — 17 of which have been spent at Toombs Central Elementary School. Currently, she teaches first grade English Language Arts (ELA) and Social Studies.

“I feel honored and blessed to have been chosen as Teacher of the Year,” Corbitt emphasized. “I would like to thank my husband, sons, and all of my family for supporting me over the years. They have sacrificed so much, as I have poured my heart and soul continued from page

into my job, often working long hours, even at home at times. I have also had some wonderful administrators who helped me become the teacher I am today. Their impact will never be forgotten. And I have been blessed to work alongside some great colleagues who have become more like family over the years.”

When asked what inspires her to continue teaching, Corbitt shared that she is motivated by the people around her. “Being able to love and care for children and teach them not only to become good students but also good people, motivates me to put my all into my job. I love seeing their growth and progress, as well as the smiles on their faces when they grasp a concept,” she explained. “I feel like teaching is God's calling on my life. Even on the hard days, there is no other profession that I would rather pour my heart and soul into. God gets all the glory for all the blessings I have received throughout my career.” Lyons Primary School

Second Grade Reading Teacher Kaitlyn Salter was selected at the Lyons Primary School Teacher of the Year. Salter has helped young students develop a love of reading for eight years, all of which have been spent at Lyons Primary School.

“It is an honor to be named teacher of the year. In a field that is becoming more and more challenging, it is reassuring to know that all the hard work does not go unnoticed,” she remarked.

Salter emphasized her gratitude to those around her and to God. “All praise and honor goes to God. Thank you to my husband and family for always giving me love and support. A huge thank you to my 2nd grade reading team, I would not be half the teacher I am without them beside me!” she added.

She said that she is inspired to continue teaching by her passion for helping young learners. “I want to encourage children to love learning and reading, and to see the value in school and community,” Salter commented.

Lyons Upper Elementary School Lyons Upper Elementary School selected Reading Interventionist Amber Botelho as their Teacher of the Year.

Botelho has been teaching for a total of 25 years, and has spent 6 of those years serving the students of Lyons Upper Elementary School. Currently, she works with students in grades 3-5, and helps them to improve and strengthen their reading skills.

“Our school is full of amazing teachers who work hard and give their all every single day, so to be chosen as Teacher of the Year, is truly an honor!” she remarked. “I would like to thank God for giving me a supportive family who rarely complains when I'm doing ‘school work.’ To my co-workers, thank you for your support and for always being there! We are definitely a team and I'm lucky to be part of the best team in Toombs County! I would also like to thank the administration for making the hard days doable and the great days unforgettable! And last but certainly not least, I want to say thank you to my students for showing up each day ready to learn and making each day count! Let's reach those goals!”

She credits her father for helping her to develop her passion for teaching. “My father helped shape me into the teacher I am today! He always told me, 'Whatever you want to do in life, be the best at it!' Those words will always remain with me, and as a teacher I continue to pass on that advice. It's not just about making sure students pass tests or master standards; it's also about teaching kids to see what they're truly capable of, and pushing them to be their very best!” Botelho concluded. Toombs County Middle School Toombs County Middle School Teacher of the Year Melanie Hutcheson has spent over 30 years in the classroom, and has invested in students at Toombs County Middle School for the past 25 years. She currently teaches 7th grade life science and biology at the school.

“I am honored and humbled to be selected,” Hutcheson remarked about the award. “Thanks to my husband Ricky and daughter Breannah who have supported and encouraged me. My mom and dad are my inspiration and encouragement. Special thanks to all my team teachers through the years. They have been my mentors and support. My church family at Cornerstone of Kibbee is a constant source of blessings. With God, all things are possible. He is my Savior and anchor.”

She said that she felt that teaching is exactly what she was meant to do, as her passion for the task inspires her to continue to work in the classroom year after year. “Teaching is my calling. I enjoy seeing students learn and grow throughout the year. This next generation has such potential, I just want to be a part of it,” she emphasized. Toombs County High School Toombs County High School Teacher Katie Goodwin may be currently taking time off to stay home with her foster children, but her impact continues on at the school, as she has been awarded this year’s Teacher of the Year honors.

Goodwin has taught at the high school for four years as a Special Education teacher. She served in the self-contained Autism classroom, where she helped students in 9th through 12th grades navigate education in the way most beneficial to them.

“Honestly, I feel undeserving. I am honored though. I loved my job teaching my students and seeing them grow and succeed through the years,” she emphasized. Goodwin credits a lot of her success to those around her, as she shared her gratitude for a lot of her coworkers that have helped her along the way. “I’d like to thank Mr. [Dewitt] Davis, my paraprofessional, who helped me and taught me so much. We made a great team. I’d also like to thank Brandon Walker, who was my mentor my first year of teaching. She was so encouraging and helpful. Thank you to Jared Goodwin, my husband, for being so supportive and always believing in me. There are many others that helped shape me as a teacher, and I’m thankful for all of them,” she remarked.

She also assured that though she may not be in the classroom currently, she is still continuing her passion for education. “I became a foster parent this past summer and decided to take some time off from teaching to spend time with my foster children. Now I still spend my days teaching, just in a different setting and role,” Goodwin explained.

The Toombs County Board of Education celebrated these individuals during a recent board meeting, where each honoree was presented with a plaque and a message of gratitude.

LYONS PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHER OF THE YEAR – Lyons Primary School Second Grade Reading Teacher Katie Salter was named the school’s Teacher of the Year. L to R: Lyons Primary School Principal Tracy Mulkey, Kayla Burkett, Katie Salter, Reba Warnock, Mandy Hudson.

TOOMBS COUNTY MIDDLE SCHOOL TEACHER OF THE YEAR – Toombs County Middle School Teacher of the Year Melanie Hutcheson has devoted over thirty years to investing in students. L to R: Toombs County Middle School Assistant Principal Danielle Morris, Melanie Hutcheson, Toombs County Middle School Principal Sidney Spell.

LYONS UPPER ELEMENTARY TEACHER OF THE YEAR – Reading Interventionist Amber Botelho was named the 2025 Lyons Upper Elementary School Teacher of the Year. L to R: Amber Botelho, Lyons Upper Elementary School Principal Tabatha Nobles.